Birmingham City Council has refused plans for an 'aparthotel' on Soho Road after receiving dozens of objections, including from Birmingham Ladywood MP and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The decision was made at a planning committee meeting on Thursday, September 10.
The proposals, which were previously lodged to convert a care hostel at 13 Soho Road into an 'aparthotel' – a type of accommodation blending the space of a residential apartment with the services of a traditional hotel – would have included six bedrooms, a reception/lounge, gym and bathroom.
MP and Residents Raise Concerns
Shabana Mahmood, who represents Birmingham Ladywood, was among the objectors. She said she had been contacted by a number of residents who feared the number of people housed in the 'aparthotel' could be 'over-intensive' and that the site being close to nurseries and primary schools could pose 'safeguarding risks'.
According to a report published ahead of the planning meeting, a council officer wrote that concerns over 'intensive use' had been addressed by reducing the number of bedrooms from 10 to six. The officer added: “Furthermore, the location of the proposed aparthotel use will comply with local policy.” On safeguarding concerns, the report noted: “It should be noted that the site was previously operated as a care hostel which is similar in its comings and goings of people often for an unknown duration.”
Police and Councillors Weigh In
An officer confirmed at the meeting that West Midlands Police now “raise no objections subject to conditions” after the force previously highlighted a number of concerns. However, anxieties persisted among local representatives. Soho and Jewellery Quarter Councillor Shuranjeet Singh said that “there are over 75 letters of objection which have been received from the local community”. He argued: “We feel these haven’t been adequately considered within the report or given appropriate weight in the planning balance.”
Cllr Raaj Shamji (Conservative, Four Oaks Sutton) said he would not support the application, telling the meeting: “You have to consider the location – close to four schools, a place of worship and sanctuary.” Cllr Rinkal Shergill (Birmingham Independent Workers Group, Holyhead) added: “I’m going to reject this application. This is my neighbouring ward and residents […] already report parking, anti-social behaviour issues.”
Committee Chair Defends Scheme
Cllr Martin Brooks, chair of the planning committee, argued in favour of the scheme, stating: “It’s about bringing a listed building back into proper use. And I would say substantial amendments have been made to this scheme as a result of our conservation team. A lot of changes have taken place to ensure the integrity of that listed building.”
Addressing location concerns, a council officer told the meeting: “In terms of the location, we have a hotel proposed and it’s in a local centre – so I suggest that’s where you would, in theory, want a hotel.” He also noted that West Midlands Police had asked for a number of conditions, including a management plan and CCTV. According to the recently-published report, the agent behind the proposals had responded to the police force’s fears by saying there would be measures to ensure a secure aparthotel is provided.
The council officer also stressed that the number of proposed parking spaces met policy requirements, with the report adding that the proposal is “unlikely to have a detrimental impact on the safe operation of surrounding streets”. Despite this, the committee voted to refuse the plans, with parking and highways concerns suggested as a possible reason for refusal. “I feel like the most arguable reason for refusal would be around perhaps highways safety implications,” the council officer said. “I must say I think it’s a very weak reason for refusal but if we’re going to put our best foot forward and have something that’s arguable, I would suggest that’s the route we go down.”
